More power, cleaner air

Alicia Banks

Friday

Jan 4, 2013 at 12:01 AMJan 4, 2013 at 5:44 PM

MOORESBORO -- More power and cleaner air will result from the completion of a Duke Energy project in the works for five years.

Duke Energy recently completed a multi-year modernization project at Cliffside Steam Station with the beginning operation of power unit 6. The state-of-the-art power unit burns less coal per megawatt-hour while removing more than 90 percent of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury produced before it reaches the air, according to a Duke Energy press release.

Unit 6 can power about 660,000 average-sized homes within Duke’s power grid, according to Erin Culbert, communications manager for Duke Energy.

Project construction began in January 2008, and unit 6 started operation in December.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without support from our neighbors and local businesses,” Culbert said. “It’s been an incredible outpour of support with this construction project.”

The project brought more than 2,000 construction jobs to the area during work on the site.

Unit 6 allowed Duke to retire four 1940s-era coal units in October. Building unit 6 was included in a $3.65 billion investment by Duke for electricity needs and promoting cleaner emissions for its customers, according to the company.

Some residents protested unit 6’s construction in its early stages, noting it would add more pollution to the county’s air. Others, such as N.C. Rep. Tim Moore, a Republican who represents Cleveland County in the 111th NC House district, and Republican U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry supported the project.

More than $125 million in federal clean-coal tax credits are expected to benefit Duke Energy’s customers from the unit’s installation, according to the company’s website.

“I’m glad they’re up and running. They really benefit Cleveland County,” said Cleveland County Commissioner Ronnie Hawkins. “The big thing for us is it helps out our tax. I’m glad we have a lot of energy companies around here.”

Equipment that removes flue gas from stacks was also recently attached to unit 5 at the Cliffside Station, Culbert said, allowing for water vapor emission only, with no smoke.

“Those closest to it are benefitting the most,” Culbert said about the improvements.

Duke's modernization project also included building three additional power plants serving North Carolina: the H.F. Lee Plant in Goldsboro, Dan River Combined Cycle Station in Eden and the Sutton Plant in Wilmington.